Landon's fingers stilled mid-motion. "Why?"Aria's mole seemed more noticeable than usual. "I feel like he helps you to do everything. Did he owe the Carvers a favor?"Landon answered the latter part of the statement. "Yes, he does owe us a favor."Aria propped her chin up with one hand. "Then, ask him to remove the Guard status."Landon paused for a moment, pretending not to understand. "Guard status?"Thinking he didn't know what it was, Aria explained, "In my livestream, there's a symbol that appears when someone gifts a lot. It doesn't match my aesthetic."A low chuckle escaped Landon's lips. "Why don't you ask the platform to handle it for you? It's your livestream account, after all."Aria, rarely one to outwardly display emotions, gave him a small pout, managing to be both adorable and prideful at the same time. "They keep giving me automated responses, and even the moderators haven't been helpful. Maybe it's because they don't want to offend a high-spending customer."L
Although Georgina didn't care much about others' opinions, she prioritized Aria's education. Other matters could wait, but one's knowledge was for life.Georgina despised those who claimed furthering one's studies was useless. They would advise her to let Aria abandon her studies and start working. However, if Aria performed well in her exams this time, she might get into a prestigious college.Aria hadn't even finished washing up, but Georgina could already envision her bright future. She believed that Aria shouldn't be confined to this small town and be looked down upon by others. Aria should venture out and make herself a name."Aria, listen to me. I can manage the shop, and I won't be soft-hearted toward the Kent family either. Just focus on doing well in your exams and don't feel pressured." Aria could sense how much Georgina cared about her exam.For good luck, Georgina brushed a four-leaf clover over Aria's body. It was said to ward off bad luck and bring success.Aria ha
The highly discussed Aria was still in the cab dealing with her work.She was finalizing the Kent Corporation acquisition. Setting traps and analyzing data, she devised a long-term strategy for maximum profit.Once everything was ready, she contacted Harry. "Go and inform Marshall that Grand Construction Corp. will give him three minutes to state his case."Harry was excited. "It's a foolproof negotiation tactic. I understand!"A company whose market value had plummeted to rock bottom was the perfect acquisition target.By the time Aria completed this task, it was already 9:00 am. The exam was set to start at 9:30 am, but even after getting out of the car, Aria continued to be engrossed in her phone.Moderator 007 also reached out to Aria. Knowing she was released, he sent several messages expressing his regrets on behalf of the platform.Aria smiled. "I need to thank you, too."It wasn't easy for the platform to support her and not ban her account under immense pressure. This
Malcolm felt goosebumps forming over his skin. "Grandpa, I think Aria can manage by herself."He felt the overwhelming sense of pressure again.Aria smiled. "He's right."After saying that, she disappeared into the building. Abraham twisted Malcolm's ear. "What do you mean she can do it by herself? Didn't you see her grades? If she fails this time, I'll kick you out of the Lowe family, you brat!"Not only did Malcolm have to get up early, but he also received a scolding. It wasn't even his exam, yet he'd be punished if Aria didn't perform well. Malcolm began to question whether he was Abraham's biological grandson. Abraham fretted. Cases like Aria's were rare. Though most students knew she was innocent, her release was barely ten hours ago.The official report lacked details as the full investigation was still ongoing. It would take at least five days to understand Aria's involvement clearly. Thus, some students still had some reservations about her."Her being able to cure
Aria didn't need to split her exams into two days. At this pace, she could finish all her papers by 3:00 pm. This unprecedented pace forced the teachers to adjust their grading schedule. They all planned to work overtime that night to get her papers graded promptly.Aria powered through the exams until 12:00 pm.The proctor quickly collected the papers and sealed them in front of the class. This time, even the grading process would be made public to prove Aria's abilities.Aria was starving by the time she finished her morning exams. Malcolm obeyed his grandfather and took her out to eat.When he appeared, there were many onlookers."Is he Aria's boyfriend? He's so handsome."Malcolm's appearance matched the latest trend. He had single eyelids, a high nose bridge, and youthful features. He was only three years older than Aria. He still looked like a student, making them look like peers.Someone already posted their photos on the school forum. "They look perfect together!"
Aria raised her eyebrows, thinking Landon had made quite a dramatic entrance.Landon's good looks and proximity to Aria caused the cafeteria to erupt in wide-eyed stares, especially from Malcolm, who nearly dropped his utensils on the table.Landon, impeccably dressed in a suit, seemed oblivious. He leaned in, tucking a strand of Aria's hair behind her ear with a chuckle. "Could you ask your classmate to scoot over a bit? I brought you lunch."Aria set down her spoon, propping her chin on a hand. "He's not a classmate but a friend from the Lowe family. Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?"Landon sneered when he heard the word "friend". Then, he loosened his collar and smiled brightly. "I just got off the plane and didn't have time to message you."As he spoke, he threw a glance at Malcolm. "Can I have my girlfriend back, please?"The request, delivered in a polite yet unyielding tone, was underscored by a dark, domineering glint in his eyes.Malcolm gulped and relented,
Aria was devouring the ribs in the cafeteria while Landon looked at her from beside. It seemed he was only there to bring her lunch and nothing more.Girls flocked around, ogling at Landon. He responded with a raised eyebrow and the occasional sickly cough. He exuded an air of unattainable mystique, approachable only to Aria. "Aren't you going to eat?" asked Aria. "I have a business lunch later," Landon replied, his refined manners starkly contrasting with the students around him. Plus, he also exuded a commanding presence. He then sent a voice message in Nobeetan, his voice surprisingly dreamy. Seeing he was busy, Aria didn't disturb him.The roasted ribs, pork belly, and prawn suited her tastebuds more, and since Landon had a weak stomach, he was better off drinking soup. With that in mind, Aria pushed the mushroom soup toward him. Landon smiled, phone still in hand, before taking the spoon from her and bringing it to his lips for two delicate sips. The action was intim
Landon's dismissal of her taste rankled Aria. She wasn't one to tolerate gaslighting. Just as she opened her mouth to retort, she caught his gaze flit to Malcolm. Understanding dawned, and a slow grin spread across her face. "Do you think I'm interested in Malcolm?"Landon remained silent, his eyes an unreadable storm. "You don't like Malcolm?" Aria pressed, arching her eyebrow. "The Lowe family raised him well," Landon hedged, avoiding a direct answer. Aria's smile widened. "So you dislike him, then? Malcolm's a good guy—righteous, innocent, and youthful."A dangerous glint flickered in Landon's eyes despite the lingering smile on his lips. "Oh?" Aria didn't plan to hide. "I only treat him as my subordinate."After Landon mulled over the word's meaning, he didn't seem as intimidating anymore.His behavior today was out of character. Perhaps it was the scene he saw when he entered the door, almost causing him to lose control. It seemed that he needed to head to the old mona